Merle Edward May of Norfork, Arkansas (formerly of Calico Rock)




Merle Edward May, son of the late Troyce Shelby May and Hazel Josephine Dwelle May was born October 05, 1954 in Mountain Home, Arkansas.  He departed this life June 01, 2018 in Norfork, Arkansas at the age of 63 years, 7 months, 27 days.  He was a 1973 graduate of Calico Rock High School.  He was united in marriage to Gail Webster Lester on March 4, 1999.  He spent his life as a son, brother, husband, step-father, step-grandfather, cousin, nephew, and a good friend.  During his working years, Merle was employed by Baxter Lab for 30 years.  He enjoyed fishing on the river and all outdoor activities.  His favorite place to be was sitting in his shop listening to country music. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Community Church in Calico Rock.


He is survived by:  his wife, Gail May of the home; two sisters: Marilyn Bagwell of Mtn Home and Melinda McCurley and husband Doug of Calico Rock; two step-children: Matt Lester and wife Courtney of Calgary, Canada and Stacie Tackitt and husband Anthony of West Plains, Missouri; five nephews and nieces: Ray Bagwell and wife Danae of Mtn Home; Buck Bagwell of Mtn Home; Makayla Rangel and husband Israel of Norfork; Brayden McCurley of Calico Rock and Brooke McCurley of Calico Rock; five step-grandchildren, Madison, Brodie and Chloe Lester of Calgary, Canada and Cadence and Maci Tackitt of West Plains, Missouri; two aunts: Anna Kemp of Old Joe and Gladys May of Pineville; one uncle: Cyril May of Wenatchee, Washington; five great nephews and nieces: Trinity and Brycen Bagwell; Jacob, Joseph and Mackynzie Rangel and a host of relatives and good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, and several close uncles, aunts and other relatives.


Graveside funeral service will be Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 10:00a.m. at the Galatia Cemetery in Old Joe with Monte Neal officiating under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock.


Memorials may be made to: Hospice of the Ozarks,  701 Burnett Drive, Mtn Home AR  72658 -  PH: 870-508-1771.



Pallbearers:  Doug McCurley, Israel Rangel, Adam Lewis, Steven May, Rick Skidmore and Brad Skidmore



Honorary Pallbearers: Ronnie May, Kenneth McCurley, Don Skidmore, Bill Franks, Jerald McCurley, Bob Franks, Keith McCurley & Sock Franks